UPDATE: Victim in Alleged Sexual Assault, Attempted Murder Still Critical

A woman who was severely beaten in an alleged sexual assault and attempted murder on April 4 in Cabazon remained in critical condition Wednesday, a sheriff's sergeant said.

The woman, who is in her 40s and believed to be homeless, had not regained consciousness since the alleged attack, Sgt. Sean Bahash of the sheriff's Cabazon Station said Wednesday.

The woman was found unconscious with massive head trauma about 7:20 a.m. on April 4 in the 14000 block of Citrus Avenue in Cabazon, Bahash said.

Deputies and CalFire personnel rendered aid to the woman, and she was taken to an area hospital where she underwent surgery, Bahash said.

The Banning man who was arrested in connection with the alleged crimes remained locked up Wednesday at Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside, according to inmate records.

Joseph Jimmy Blancarte, 47, of Banning, was arrested a week ago today at the Greyhound bus station in Modesto, Bahash said.

Cabazon Station investigators brought Blancarte back to the Pass and he was booked last week at Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. Blancarte’s bail was set at $1,050,000, Bahash said.

Blancarte was known to Banning police and the sheriff's department from prior arrests for public intoxication, Bahash said in a phone interview.

His most recent previous arrest was two weeks ago for misdemeanor disorderly conduct involving drugs or alcohol, according to Bahash and inmate records. He was arrested March 30 and released March 31, five days before the alleged attack in Cabazon.

Blancarte is also believed to be homeless, Bahash said.

Anyone with further information was urged to call Investigator Jackie Lane at the Cabazon Station, (951) 922-7100), the sheriff's dispatch center, 1-800-950-2444, or email CabazonStation@riversidesheriff.org